***Edited for match recaps and ratings***

Okay, here is my attempt at my first EWR game. Please tell me how to make these better, and give me feedback where necessary. I'm picking it up on May 01, 2006, evidently just shortly after Backlast, where all of the current title holders retained. My roster is pretty much current, just a matter of who I am going to use or not. I think the show explains everything that needs to be explained, although I leave the last month before this to you:

WWE Monday Night RAW

May 01, 2006

The Show opens with Joey Styles and Tazz on commentary. The immediately begin talking about last week's shocking announcement after Backlash, where Mr. McMahon informed everyone that the roster split has been ended. Smackdown was cancelled for reasons beyond our control, and RAW now becomes the flagship show, with everyone on the same roster for the first time in years. This is made immediately obvious by the opening contest:


Kane And Big Show vs John Bradshaw Layfield and Randy Orton :

Orton picks up the win after a low blow to Kane. **3/4. After the match, Kane and Show attack and leave JBL and Orton lying in the ring.


Backstage Interview:

Mr. McMahon immediately appears on the Titantron as the faces exit the ring and cuts an interview, the just of it is as follows: He tells Kane and Big Show to look at the carnage they left in the ring. He tells them to take a good hard look at those 2, because starting next week, they could be facing them in one on one competition, with a chance to be the next Heavyweight Champion. Vince goes on to explain that as of now, the World Title and WWE Title are stripped from John Cena and Rey Mysterio. Starting next week will be a 14 man tournament to crowd the Undisputed WWE World Champion, which will culminate at King of the Ring on May 28. He announces the participants, of course gauging reaction to each of them as he goes. The now former World Champions Rey Mysterio and John Cena will both recieve first round byes. In addition to the 4 men in the ring, the tournament will also include Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Rob Van Dam, and Edge. From the now defunct Smackdown roster will be Mark Henry, The Unnnnnndertaker, Kurt Angle, and a final entrant that we will know by the end of the night.

Also at King of the Ring, the Intercontinental and United States Titles will be unified when Chris Benoit meets Shelton Benjamin.

The Cruiserweight Title has been declared vacant because of Gregory Helms' inability to defend. So a 4-way Elimination match will happen at KOTR. Starting tonight will be qualifiers for that match.

The Tag Team titles have also been stripped and the Unified WWE World Tag Team Champions will be crowd at King of the Ring in a 3 way dance.

But tonight, in that very ring, we'll see the rest of our competitiors in the WWE World Title Tournmanet in action, as RAW meets Smackdown one last time. It'll be Shawn Michaels, Triple H, John Cena, Edge, and Rob Van Dam taking on the team of Rey Mysterio, Kurt Angle, Mark Henry, The Undertaker, and their mystery partner, who will be the final entrant of the tournament.


In-ring Segment:Shelton Benjamin appeared in the ring and called out Chris Benoit. Benoit answered and called himself the greatest technical wrestler in the world today, while Benjamin called himself the greatest athlete today. Stare-down ended. Crowd was pretty into this.


Jamie Noble vs Scotty 2 Hotty vs Funaki: Winner advances to 4-way at KOTR for Cruiserweight Title

Quick match that saw Noble pin Funaki, and them make Scotty submit to the dragon sleeper. *


MNM vs London and Spanky: Winner advanced to 3-way at KOTR

MNM picks up the win in a good match, after hitting the snapshot on Brian Kendrick. **1/2


A video hyped the RAW participants in the WWE World Title Tournament set to begin next week: Kane, Big Show, John Cena, Triple H, Rob Van Dam, Edge, and Shawn Michaels were all shown, and their various title reigns shown as well. The theme: Can they climb back and reclaim the top prize in wrestling.


Finlay vs Lashley

Good brawl. Lashley got the win by disqualification when Finlay refused to release an illegal choke on Lashley. *1/4 After the match, they continued brawling and were pulled apart by officials.


Backstage Interview: John Cena cuts an interview talking about how it feels to lose the WWE Title in the snap of someone's fingers. He runs down each opponent in the tourney, and cuts a rap to talk about all of them.


Mickie James vs Torrie Wilson (For The WWE Women's Title)

Mickie picks up the win in an ugly match with a tornado DDT. DUD. Torrie obviously still has no place in the ring.

Backstage Interview: Rey was shown sitting in his locker room and gave an interview telling how it felt to have his belt taken from him. He then mentioned all the amazing competitors, and how it will be an honor to go through each of them to reclaim his prize and become the unified champion

Team RAW (John Cena, Triple H, Edge, Rob Van Dam, and Shawn Michaels) vs Team SMACKDOWN (Rey Mysterio, Kurt Angle, Mark Henry, The Undertaker, and ???????):

After everyone was in the ring, the familiar music of BATISTA hit as he came out on the stage in full gear. He made his way to the ring as Joey Styles and Tazz gushed about him being the final participant in the tournament.

Batista got the win in a hot match with plenty of tags when he pinned Edge following the Batista bomb. ***. Everyone was very cautious of each other, with John Cena and Triple H constantly watching each other, as well as Rey Mysterio and Randy Orton on the smackdown side. The show ended with everyone staring down the rest of the men, looking forward to the start of the tournament next week.

Okay, got all my tags fixed, I think. Now I know that html tags don't work. Its a start. Also, what kind of things are cool to report?

Cause RAW got a 6.85 to start off.

For your Trish run-in...it's possible to set "run-in" at the end, but nobody will actually run-in becuase you didn't select "DQ win with a run-in" or "by interference"..or whatever. I did that quite a few times, I would select "run-in" and choose a wrestler, but I didn't select an influenced match result or postmatch action for the the follow-up. So nobody actually ran in. Just takes some practice.

Personally, I prefer brief capsule summaries. Just matches with who wins and how. The blow-by-blow stuff is fairly generic and takes up alot of space (no fault to you, it's just the way the game is). Stuff like your angle development and WHY it's happening is good (your Shelton/Benot segment is a prime example).

Storylines are the interesting part. Since you can't script out an angle's reasoning in the game, this is where you can embellish things in your reports. Use your reports to flesh out heel turns, decent angle changes and title swaps. If you book a gimmick match to end a feud, you can cite that as well.

Major signings or debuts would be nice, too. For istance, if you signed some uknown indy worker to a developmental contract, skip reporting it. But, if you signed AJ Styles or, or... Da' WOYYYARRRR, then tell us about it!

Looks like you're off to a good start. Have fun.

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it.

In regards to match reports, I'm just trying to figure out a way to fairly represent how good the match was according to the EWR sim. What if i posted the crowd, quality, and overall numbers that it gave to me, in addition to my brief synopsis?

I'm trying to use it as a bit of a tool (and hindrance) so I'm not just going nuts, freely booking all the bullshit I want. This is a blast by the way. I'm sitting here trying to figure out where I'm going with everything, and I'm liking it quite a bit.

As for signings.....I'm gonna lay low till after King of the Ring. Frankly, the roster is fuckin huge as it is, and I don't want anymore people yet. I'll start dumping some guys and going with some guy, but for now I'm trying to have a real representation of the WWE if I took over tomorrow (or May 1, as the case may be) so I'm not gonna run out and sign Joe or anyone and make him champ right away. All in good time.

The match numbers/ratings might be a good idea.

Good call on the roster thing. Everyone starts the game and immediately dumps Triple H, etc. I started the game last summer with a 2003 roster and tried to deal with it realistically (well, aside from indulging myself by bringing in Stevie Ray for a bit). So I had to work Goldberg, Nash, Triple H and Undertaker into the game. I wasn't doing so hot financially, and after six months I legitimately released a few of them. Nash stuck around for another year, almost.

I'm probably about two years into my game and I still have Steve Austin, Scott Steiner and Shawn Michaels on the roster. Fortunately, Vince McMahon retired (!?)

Edit.

Okay, I have an idea for a match ratings system, and I'm gonna go with it. The lowest match rating on my first show was for Mickie/Torrie, which was probably pretty fuckin horrible. That was a 49 Rating overall - so, a DUD. The 10 man Main Event got an 81 Rating. It was probably an entertaining match.

What I've decided is that the scale will run from 50-100, with one * being in the 50's, 2 ** in the 60's, and so on. I imagine a ***** match is damn near impossible, which is good, and a **** would be very impressive, I think. From here on out, I'm going to attempt to use this system, and see how it goes.

Edit: I should clarify this: 60 = *, 70 = **, 80 = ***, 90 = ****, 100 = *****. I really like this, as it lets me see MOTY candidates, and see who really sucked that week. Plus I can bring out the negative stars for something like Mark Henry v Taker.

Also, could anyone tell me how many slots you get at a PPV? Is it the same as weekly TV, which is 11? Just need to know what to work towards, since I'm actually thinking ahead, unlike some companies.

WWE Monday Night RAW
May 8th, 2006

The show opens with fireworks and panning shots of the crowd as we hear the voices of Joey Styles and Tazz.

Styles: Welcome to Monday Night RAW. Tonight, the road to the King of the Ring begins with our first 3 matches of the tournament.
Tazz: That's right Joey. In addition to that, we'll have a very special segment this evening: the return of The Funeral Parlor. We also have full brackets for the tournament to crown the new Undisputed WWE World Champion, and we'll start off by taking a look at those, before we head down to the ring for our opening contest.

Cena------------------
Bye--------------------

Edge------------------
Kane------------------

Triple H---------------
Big Show------------

HBK-------------------
RVD-------------------

Mysterio-------------
Bye--------------------

Orton-----------------
Angle-----------------

Henry-----------------
Batista---------------

Undertaker---------
JBL--------------------

The Mexicools v Kenny & Mikey -- Winner advances to 3 Way Dance at KOTR to crown Tag Team Champs

Short match that got the job done. Good opening contest, and the crowd was fairly in to it. Result: Super Crazy pinned Johnny. *1/2


Backstage Segment Triple H was sitting on a recliner, looked to be thinking to himself. He started talking to the cameraman:
You're probably wondering why I brought you here. It’s simple really...just to put everyone on alert. The World Titles are coming back together, and they're also coming home. Home around my waist. 10 times. How many of you in the tournament can say that number and have it actually mean something. Well at King of the Ring on May 28th, the King will retake his thrown. I'll win the King of the Ring tournament, and I'll become WWE World Champion for the 11th time. Why? Because I'm always a step ahead of everyone. So to you fools who have the misfortune of competing tonight in the opening round of the tournament....be alert. Because I could strike at any time. I'll get every result that I want, in every match that I want, just to make sure I have the road that I want back to glory. Now get the hell out of my locker room.


First Round King of the Ring Matchup: Rob Van Dam v Shawn Michaels :

Very good match that saw Shawn Michaels roll through on a Rob Van Dam top rope crossbody attempt around the 13 minute mark. ***1/2


In-Ring Segment: Trish Stratus heads out to the ring. She calls out the psycho, Mickie James, and tells her that she still hasn't received the rematch that Mickie rightfully owes her. Mickie answers, coming out on the stage. She tells Trish that she can have her title shot.....if she can beat her new best friend next week. Victoria's music hits as she comes out on to the stage and hugs Mickie. Mickie looks on with that crazy bitch look in her eyes.


6-man Tag Action: Paul Burchill, Matt Hardy, and Chavo Guerrero v Chris Masters, Carlito, and William Regal : Paul Birchall picks up the win for his team in a pier six brawl. Finish saw him locking a submission hold (The Royal Mutilation?) on Carlito for the tap-out. **


The Funeral Parlor: The Undertaker's familiar music hits as he walks out and grabs the microphone next to a Funeral Parlor set up. He cuts an interview talking about how he will once again reclaim the top prize in the business, before welcoming his guest, John Bradshaw Layfield. JBL tells Taker that it looks like he got a bad draw, cause next week, he has to face the Wrestling........GOD. They bicker back and forth for a bit before things break down, and they're brawling all through the Funeral Parlor set. They disappear into the back, still fighting it out.


First Round King of the Ring Match: Randy Orton v Kurt Angle :

Heated match that saw Orton taking shortcut after shortcut. The referee went down, and Orton brought a chair into the ring. Before he could use it, Rey Mysterio hit the ring, nailing Orton with the chair. Orton stumbles backwards into an Angle Slam, and the ref comes to for the 3 count. As the bell rings, another ref hits the ring, explaining to the first ref what happened. The referee reverses his decision, giving Orton the win by disqualification. Rey tries apologizing, but Angle throws him out the ring with a Belly to Belly, before attacking both refs and locking in the anklelock. Angle goes absolutely nuts as the crowd cheers him on. Good match before the non-finish. ***1/2.


Chris Benoit and Lashley v Finlay and Shelton Benjamin :

Crowd was zapped from the previous match, but Benoit locks in the Crippler Crossface and makes Finlay tap after Shelton accidentally nailed his partner. After the match, Shelton and Finlay beat down the faces. *1/2

Winning team advanced to the 4-way Cruiserweight Title Match at KOTR: London and Spanky v Nicky and Johnny : London gets the pin for his team and advances each of the partners into the Cruiserweight Match at KOTR. Crowd was completely dead, even for a post-match Spirit Squad beatdown. *

In-Ring Segment: The crowd goes nuts for Batista as he speaks for the first time since his interview. He talks about the long road of recovery, and how everyday he has to think about handing over that title to Teddy Long. He says he'll gladly face Mark Henry next week to prove he is truly back in good ring shape. Henry appears on the Titantron and tells Batista that he took him out once, and he'll do it again next week.

Main Event: First Round King of the Ring Match: Edge v Kane : Good Main Event. Triple H finally reared his ugly head in this one. He sat ringside with a chair, and got up at one point and tripped Edge as he was coming off the ropes. Edge looked on in fury as Triple H sat back down with a smile on his face. A bit later, Kane went up top for the clothesline, and Triple H nailed him in the back of the head with the chair as the referee was distracted by Lita. Edge quickly covered for the 1, 2, 3 as he looked cautiously at Triple H. *** Triple H stood in the rampway as Edge stared at his from the ring, trying to figure out what just went down. John Cena came out and stood behind Triple H to a loud crowd reaction. Triple H turned around, unaware, and Cena planted him on the ramp with the F-U!

Styles: Thanks for joining us fans. Tune in next week for the rest of our first round King of the Ring matches: Triple H v Big Show, JBL v Undertaker, and Mark Henry v Batista. See you next week!

Looks pretty good, and easier to read/follow along. I'm tempted to go back to my thread and update it with all the crap I've been up to.

Heh.... Funeral Parlor should be Paul Bearer. :P

"ohhhhhh yess...welllllcome...to my FUNERAL PARLOR...ohhhh yessss"

Couldn't find him in the game. I'm trying to be true to the game, and since I couldn't find him anywhere, I couldn't sign him and use him for that segment.

WWE.com preview:

Quick news and notes from the Torch.....May 13, 2006

Hmm, I like this diary. A great idea would be if every active poster here would have one, no matter how uncreative one or two might be or whatever.

I appreciate the feedback. Just knowing someone read it makes me wanna go forward with the next show.

Yeah, I like reading these as well when posted. I have to say its alot easier to read them as they're being posted, as opposed to trying to go back and read someone's diary, like I did with D.A.V.E.'s.


Edit: Fuck me. I really can't get any love on this thing, can I?

Monday Night RAW
May 15, 2006

An opening video package rolls, showing the victories last week by Edge, Randy Orton, and Shawn Michaels. Images of the other participants in the King of the Ring tournament flash up on the screen. The opening credits roll.

Joey Styles: Welcome ladies and gentlemen to another exciting edition of Monday Night RAW. I'm your host Joey Styles, joined at ringside by Tazz, and tonight, the King of the Ring tournament continues. We have 3 huge matches in the tournament, as well as lots of other action, including the WWE in-ring debut of a hot young talent. Before we go to the ring, Tazz has a little house cleaning to tell you about....

Tazz: That’s right Joey. I'm excited for a great night, but first let me tell you about someone who won't be here. It seems last week, the Olympic Medalist Kurt Angle forgot a bit out one of his 3 I's, namely: Integrity....when he lost his mind after the referee reversed his decision in his matchup against Randy Orton. Angle went nuts, attacking Rey Mysterio, who had gotten involved in the match, and almost the 2 officials involved in the decision. Kurt has been banned from the arena this week, and will not appear on Monday Night RAW. Reportedly he has been given an open invitation to come here next week, and promises to make a statement following the events. Tazz is suddenly interrupted by the music of John Bradshaw Layfield.

JBL's limo pulls out and he makes his way to ringside with a smile on his face. He enters the ring, and grabs the microphone.

JBL: Just in case any of you idiots hadn't heard the news by now, I'd love to be the one to break it to you. Kurt Angle isn't the only one not appearing tonight. It turns out the Undertaker got hurt. Or should I say......I hurt him. He wanted to be all cute and play deadman last week when he brought he down to the "Funeral Parlor." But he just couldn’t leave well enough alone, and got in my face. So I did what I always do.....I shut him up. And it turns out in the process, he tore up his knee pretty bad. Bad enough to the point where he is out of the King of the Ring tournament. But of course, I've been informed that I can't have a bye like John Cena and Rey Mysterio get. No, that just wouldn't be fair, since I'm a "bad guy" and all. So whoever you've dug up from the minor leagues as a warm up match, go ahead and have em come down here and get a lesson from the Wrestlinggggggggg...........GOD!

WOOOOOOO!

Just as JBL finishes his sentence, the familiar music of "Nature Boy" Ric Flair blares over the arena. Flair makes his way to the ring, and our opening contest is underway.

First Round King of the Ring Matchup: John Bradshaw Layfield v Ric Flair:

JBL picks up the win after reversing a Flair pinfall attempt and using the tights. JBL out-dirtied the dirtiest player in the game. **1/4. Good opener. After the match, Flair extends his hand to JBL as if to say "You got me" but JBL simply walks away. Flair hangs his head as the crowd disapproves.

Trish Stratus v Victoria:

Trish was in control of the match before Mickie James interfered. She attempted to nail a roundhouse kick on Trish, but instead hit Victoria, who was then schoolboyed by Trish for the win. *1/2 After the match, Mickie attempted to attack Trish, but Trish fought off both Mickie and Victoria until they retreated.

First Round King of the Ring Matchup: Mark Henry v Batista

Short match, almost a squash. Batista completely dominated Henry in his first singles match back since injury. He impressively finished Henry with a hard Spinebuster. *1/4. Batista celebrated to a great reaction afterwards.

Backstage Interview: John Cena is standing next to Todd Grisham, who asks him about his matchup next week with Edge...

John Cena: Edge again huh. I just can't seem to get away from that guy. He's probably gonna tell you how he beat me for the WWE Title back at New Year's Revolution. Well that’s ancient history bro. It just doesn't matter. It’s a new day in the WWE, and it’s a new day for John Cena. So it doesn't matter if it’s Edge, or the Game, or the Big Show, or Rey Mysterio, or Randy Orton. It really doesn't matter. I've seen em all, I've watched em all, and I'm ready for them all. So next week, after I beat Edge.....I'm gonna look ahead. I don't believe in this "one game at a time" junk. I'm an observer, and I'm constantly watchi--

Cena is suddenly interrupted by a voice off-stage. In walks HBK.

Shawn Michaels: Woah Woah Woah John Cena. You're constantly watching? I'm the one watching. Hell I was watching you right now. And I've watched and watched while you, Edge, Triple H, Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton, and the rest of the gang have gotten title opportunity after title opportunity around here. Well I don't like to admit it, but I'm drying up a bit....getting a little long in the tooth if you will. And this may be my last chance. So this time, HBK is serious, and this time, HBK is all business. Oh, and John Cena.....I didn't hear you mention me in that little promo of yours back there. So maybe you aren't as observant as you think you are.

HBK and Cena stare down, until HBK smiles and walks away.

Backstage segment: We see Batista standing in his locker room, taking off his boots and tape from his previous matchup. Suddenly, Triple H walks in the room.

Triple H: Well big Dave, impressive outing tonight.

Batista: You liked that huh?

Triple H: Eh, it was nice.

Batista: So, was it "what you wanted", since you seemed so concerned with getting that lately?

Triple H: (smiling)Well.....I suppose so yeah. You know, I said it last week, and maybe you didn't hear me. But I get what I want in every matchup in this tournament. Cause I'm ahead of the game. Hell, I AM the game. If I didn't want you to defeat Mark Henry tonight, you wouldn't have...plain and simple.

Batista stands up aggressively and quickly, right in Triple H's face.

Batista: Listen to me Hunter. My win over Mark Henry tonight didn't have a thing to do with you. And my win next week over JBL won't have anything to do with you either. Don't forget......you're 0-3 against me. So I'd suggest, unless you wanna make that 0-4, that you better start reshuffling your priorities with "what you want". Because what you don't want......is to see me standing acrossed from you at King of the Ring.

Triple H walks away, with a look of distress on his face.


Kid Kash v The Debuting CM Punk: Winner gets final spot in vacant Cruiserweight title 4 way match at KOTR:

CM Punk makes his debut in front of a less than informed crowd. Kash and Punk put on a pretty good match, and the crowd actually started to get into it near the end, when the bell suddenly rung for a time limit draw. They were exchanging a pinfall sequence at the bell, with Punk holding Kash down in a backslide attempt. *3/4 Punk and Kash looked at each other after the match, impressed by each other's efforts, and the crowd responded in kind.

In-ring Segment:

Shelton Benjamin: You know, lately, Chris Benoit has been a real pain in my side. Ever since he found out we were unifying my beautiful Intercontinental Championship with that United States title thing, he has been all up in my grill trying to rattle me. Well Chris Benoit, I said it once, and I'll say it again. I'm the best pure athlete in the WWE today, and no one can touch me in this ring. Maybe you can out-wrestle me, but good luck catching me long enough to do that. Anyway, I left a nice open contract on my locker room door this morning. Anyone who wanted to sign it could. I'm out here to prove a point. When I win the unified titles at King of the Ring, I'll defend those things anywhere, anytime, because I'm just so damn confident. So tonight, whoever signed that contract, gets quite a golden opportunity. You get a shot at the Intercontinental Belt. Not only that, but if you win it, you get my place at King of the Ring against Chris Benoit. He'll probably just make you tap out. Cause lord knows he could never do it to me. Now who we got tonight?

Pirate sounds fill the arena as Paul Burchill heads to the ring. Shelton puts on his game face and awaits.

Intercontinental Title Match: Shelton Benjamin v Paul Burchill: Spot at KOTR also on the line

Benjamin takes care of Burchill fairly quickly. Crowd was NOT feeling this at all. 3/4*. Benjamin finished him off after a T-Bone Suplex. After the match, Benjamin stayed on the attack, and slapped the Crippler Crossface on to Paul Burchill, who tapped out. Chris Benoit ran out to the ringside area, but Shelton quickly released and ran off through the crowd as Benoit checked on Burchill.

Backstage Segment: Pre-recorded comments are shown from Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio.

Randy Orton:: Oh, Rey. When are you going to learn. Listen, maybe it’s better if you just don't get involved in my affairs any more. Although I guess I should thank you. Technically, you won me my match last week when you brained me with that chair. Kinda hurt, but I'm moving on. I mean, we all know I would've pulled it together and beat Kurt Angle, but at least this way I didn't even have to break a sweat. I just wanted to thank you for the help last week Rey. Oh, and I wanted to let you know that next week, your little World Title dream that you've been living for the last month, officially comes to and end when I move on in the King of the Ring tournament, over you.

Rey Mysterio: Let me make something clear to you Randy Orton. I just plain don't like you. All our history, all of the things you did to me. Those mean nothing to me anymore. I've wiped the slate clean. And why? Because next Monday on RAW, when I get you in the ring, I don't want to be thinking about anything but pinning your shoulders to the mat for the 1, 2, 3. You're right, I've been living a dream for the last month with the World Title around my waist. Only I don't think it was a dream....it was reality. A reality I want back. Unfortunately for you, you happen to be standing right in my way to the Undisputed WWE World Title. My head will be clear next week Randy.....will yours?

Main Event: First Round King of the Ring Match: Big Show v Triple H

A bit of a lumbering match that picked up speed towards the end. Edge came down to ringside for observance. Triple H and Big Show both seemed none too happy with his presence. Edge grabbed Big Show's leg as he came off the ropes, just long enough to distract him and to allow Triple H to nail a kick to the stomach. Triple H set up the Pedigree on Big Show, but Big Show reversed and sent Triple H flying over the top rope directly on to Edge. As they got up, they got into a shoving match, that eventually led to a good brawl. They were so intertwined with each other that they ended up rolling into the ring while punching each other. The ref had no choice but to call for the bell:

Howard Finkel: Your winner of this match, as a result of a Disqualification........Triple H!

Triple H just smiled as Edge looked on in fury. Triple H slowly made his way up the ramp, watching his back this time, as Edge stared him down from the ring. Triple H pointed behind Edge, who turned around right into a chokeslam from the Big Show. The image of Triple H smiling on the rampway left us as RAW went off the air.

I like the new format. It's short, to the point, and more detailed than generic SK-esque PBP of an imaginary match.

AND PUSH KANE, GOD DAMMIT! (sets paper on fire)

NEW FORMAT ALERT: Saw this on another guy's diary, and liked it, so I stole it. Tell me what you think. I think its an easier read.

OOOH. It's prediction time!

Fatal Fourway for the Cruiserweight Title-I think it will go to CM Punk now that he's debuted strong and seems to be in the beginning stages of a feud with Noble.

3-Way Dance for the WWE World Tag Team Titles-I've got to lean towards MNM here, since the Kane & Big Show need to move past tag team situations, and the Mexicools aren't really ready for a run as champs in my opinion.

Lashley vs. Finlay-This is a tough one to call, though I'm thinking that Lashley will get the win to finish this feud off in fan pleasing fashion.

20 man Battle Royal for the TV title-I actually see this one going to a shocker. Paul Burchill. I think that they want to put this title on a midcarder and gain him some respect immediately by having him go over some legends.

IC/US title match-I really think that this is going to be the best match of the night. It could conceivably go either way, but I'm leaning towards Shelton coming out on top in some sort of contested finish.

Cena/Triple H-I see Triple H going over. Don't really have a reason, other than to set up a Batista/Triple H final.

Batista/Rey-I think this one will go in Batista's corner, due to the monstrous push he's currently receiving.

Triple H/Batista-I think that this one will go to Batista making him undefeated, still, against his old mentor.

Welcome to the board, and thanks for reading and playing :)

TJ-- no, you can't have a copy of that Flair/Piper cage match.

News and Notes from the Torch:

It would be too easy to make old man jokes here. :D

I'm liking this new format even better. The bullet points direct you to the key moments, instead of a big lump. I think I might steal it for future reference... I mean be inspired. :D

WWE King of the Ring 2006
May 28th, 2006


• Opening Contest: Fatal Fourway Match for the vacant WWE Cruiserweight Championship: Jamie Noble v Paul London v Brian Kendrick v CM Punk
o The announcers put over the fine match that CM Punk and Kid Kash had recently on RAW.
o They stress the fact that this match goes to first pinfall or submission.
o Participants tag in and out of the match.
o Noble starts off in the ring with Paul London, as they exchange a headlock sequence.
o CM Punk makes the tag off of Noble’s back, and nails a nice dropkick for a near fall.
o The ref begins to lose control, as all 4 men are in the ring.
o Noble gets a near fall on Punk after a tiger-bomb.
o London and Kendrick team up and score with a double dropkick off the top rope, but argue over the cover.
o Noble gives Kendrick and London a double noggin knocker, and locks in the dragon sleeper on Kendrick.
o Meanwhile, Punk climbs to the top rope, and in an impressive visual, dives over Kendrick and Noble to hit a sunset flip on Paul London.
o Just as Punk rolls through the sunset flip into a pinning position, Brian Kendrick taps out to the dragon sleeper.

Result and NEW WWE Cruiserweight Champion: Jamie Noble, by submission, on Bryan Kendrick. (75/65/86) **1/2

o Post-Match: Punk makes a gesture to Noble with his fingers, as if to say “that close”, but Noble merely shakes his head and leaves with his new title


• Semi-Final King of the Ring Match: John Cena v Triple H
o Cena and Triple H make their entrances to much fanfare.
o They stare down in the ring and begin the match slugging it out.
o Cena scoops Triple H up early for the F-U, but Triple H slides off and over the top rope for a quick breather.
o Cena gives chase, and Triple H traps him on the way back in the ring, going to work on Cena’s right leg.
o Triple H takes him to school, setting the leg on the bottom rope and crashing down on it with all his weight.
o Triple H continues working the knee, and puts the figure four leglock on Cena.
o Cena is stuck in the middle of the ring, but manages to roll it over and reverse the pressure.
o Cena begins a comeback, and nails the 5-Knuckle Shuffle on Triple H following a spinebuster.
o Cena sets Triple H on the top rope, and scoops him onto his shoulders for the F-U, but his right leg gives way, and Triple H locks in a sleeper.
o As Cena rallies with the crowd to fight out of the hold, Joey Mercury comes walking down the aisle.
o As the ref looks toward the aisle, Johnny Nitro jumps out of the crowd with a lead pipe in hand.
o He sneaks up behind Cena, who is catching his breath leaning against the ropes, and cracks him squarely in the knee with the pipe, leaving Cena screaming in agony.
o Nitro exits back through the crowd as quickly as he struck, and Triple H seizes the oppurtunity.
o He locks in the figure four leglock in the middle of the ring, and Cena quickly taps out to give Triple H the win

Result: Triple H defeats John Cena by submission. (85/90/75) ***1/2

o Post-Match: Cena is assissted by two officials, walking to the locker room area


• Bobby Lashley v Fit Finlay
o Lashley runs down the ring and takes the fight right to Finlay.
o A stiff match that sees many hard punches landed, and some hardway blood from Finlay’s eye.
o Finlay’s unorthodox offense on this night appears to be no match for the power of Lashley.
o Finlay sets up a powerbomb, but Lashley picks him up and slams him down hard with an Alabama Slam.
o Lashley nails a spear on Finlay, and takes him up to the top rope.
o Lashley wraps one arm around Finlay, and nails a Uranage Suplex from the top rope to score the victory.

Result: Lashley defeats Finlay by pinfall (67/56/78) *3/4

o Post-Match: Lashley walks up the ramp, and fires off his pyro again. Someone runs out of nowhere and drops Lashley. Its Randy Orton! RKO!


• Semi-Final King of the Ring Match: Batista v Rey Mysterio
o Mysterio and Batista enter to equal reactions, and shake hands.
o The first 5 minutes is a battle of speed and strength, with Rey avoiding the Animal and nailing the occasional kick and dropkick to the lower extremities.
o Batista finally catches up to Rey, and takes him up in a press-slam. Rey slides down and pushes Batista onto the middle rope.
o Rey runs off the opposite rope, setting up the 619, but Batista is one step ahead and turns around and turns Rey inside out with a clothesline.
o Batista slows things down and locks Rey in a bearhug, but Rey escapes and hits a sunset flip for a near fall.
o Rey starts the comeback, and hits a top rope moonsault for a near fall.
o With Batista down in the ring, Rey drops the dime for a very convincing near fall. Rey can’t believe it.
o He sets Batista up for the 619, and this time connects right to the face.
o Batista stumbles backwards and doesn’t know where he is.
o Rey goes to the outside, springboards to the top rope, and goes for the seated Senton.
o Batista catches him, and slams him down for the Batista Bomb in one fluid motion.
o It’s just too much for Mysterio. 1, 2, 3.

Result: Batista defeated Rey Mysterio by pinfall. (78/79/76) **3/4

o Post-Match: Batista helps Mysterio up, and Mysterio offers a handshake. Batista and Mysterio hug.



• 3-Way Dance for the WWE World Tag Team Titles: MNM w/Melina v The Mexicools v Kane & Big Show
o The announcers discuss the rules. This is elimination, with only two men allowed in the ring at the same time.
o Super Crazy starts out with Joey Mercury and they trade a nice wrestling sequence.
o Crazy gets trapped in the corner of MNM, who use their double team abilities to control him.
o He gets the tag to Kane, who cleans house, taking out Mercury and Nitro.
o Psicosis blind tags in off of Mercury, and attempts a top rope maneuver on Kane.
o Kane catches him around the throat and nails the chokeslam. Big Show drops Super Crazy with a crescent kick, and Kane gets the pin. Mexicools are eliminated.
o MNM reformulates their plan now against the big men.
o They trap Show in the corner and work over his legs until they can chop the tree down to size.
o Show gets the hot tag to Kane who cleans house.
o As Kane sets up Mercury for the chokeslam, Melina pulls on Big Show’s boot from the outside.
o Show has had enough of Melina and gives chase around the outside. As he turns the corner, Nitro throw a mysterious white substance into Show’s eyes.
o Nitro slides into the ring where Kane has Mercury around the throat. He clips the back of his knee.
o MNM sets Kane up for the Snapshot, and nails it for the 3 count.

Result and NEW WWE World Champions: MNM defeat Kane & Big Show by pinfall. Mexicools defeated by Kane by pinfall. (76/74/78) **1/2

o Post-Match: Kane goes out to seemingly check on Big Show on the outside, who is still blinded and can’t see. Kane seems frustrated with the lack of action from Big Show. They argue as they walk to the back.
o MNM celebrates in the ring, and John Cena runs with a limp down the aisle to enact revenge.
o Cena attacks MNM, but Nitro quickly nails a kick to the knee, sending Cena to the ground. Mercury grabs a chair and they sandwich Cena’s leg in it. Nitro heads to the middle rope, and jumps off, crunching Cena’s leg in the chair.
o The medical staff rushes to the ring and stabilize Cena’s leg before removing him on a stretcher. Cena is in pain, but is still fuming.



• 20 Man Battle Royal for WWE Television Title
o Participants: Kurt Angle, Randy Orton, Edge, JBL, Carlito, Chris Masters, Paul Burchill, Rob Van Dam, Shawn Michaels, Kid Kash, Cade, Murdoch, Matt Hardy, Mark Henry, William Regal, Kenny, Nicky, Mikey, Johnny, and Mitch.
o Final 5: Kurt Angle, Edge, JBL, Paul Burchill, and Shawn Michaels
o JBL eliminated Shawn Michaels
o Kurt Angle eliminated Edge
o JBL eliminated Paul Burchill
o Kurt Angle eliminated JBL


Result and NEW WWE Television Champion: Kurt Angle by last eliminating John Bradshaw Layfield (64/61/67) *1/4



• Unification Match: Intercontinental Champion v United States Championship: Shelton Benjamin v Chris Benoit
o The announcers inform us that the new champion will be known as the WWE North American Champion.
o Chris Benoit has his right arm taped up from the result of Shelton’s post-match attack on RAW.
o Shelton immediately goes the for Benoit’s shoulder, working it over with a variety of moves.
o Benoit shakes off the pain and makes a comeback, targeting the back of Shelton Benjamin.
o Benoit applies a nice Mexican Surfboard, followed by a Bow and Arrow, and a Boston Crab.
o Shelton is favoring the back, as Benoit takes him up top and nails a huge top rope Superplex for a very near fall.
o Shelton reverses a whip to the corner and hits a huge splash. He immediately transitions into a single arm DDT, refocusing on the arm.
o Shelton attempts to lock the Crippler Crossface in, but Benoit won’t give him the arm.
o Shelton instead rolls over the top of Benoit, and locks in a cross-armbreaker.
o Benoit nearly taps, but reaches the ropes.
o Benjamin goes outside the ring, and sets up Benoit for a springboard attempt.
o Benoit counters with a dropkick right to Shelton’s face as he comes off the rope.
o Benoit grabs Shelton and nails 4 German Suplexes in a row.
o After the 4th, he grabs Shelton legs, and locks in the Sharpshooter.
o Shelton reaches desperately for the rope, but Benoit pulls him back to the center of the ring, where he taps out!


Result and NEW WWE North American Champion: Chris Benoit defeats Shelton Benjamin by submission. (82/78/86) ***

o Post-Match: Benoit offers a handshake to Shelton for a great match, but Shelton looks to the ground, looks up, and spits directly in Benoit’s face and then walks away.



• Main Event: Finals of the King of the Ring Tournament and WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match: Batista v Triple H
o The ref has been informed to be on the lookout for interference from WWE superstars. He is to a call a tough match, but get a decision.
o Triple H and Batista jaw in the middle of the ring before Triple H cheapshot Batista with a slap.
o Batista looks up and nails a vicious standing clothesline on Triple H.
o Back and forth action from the two, who know each other very well.
o Power v Power match breaks down when Triple H targets Batista’s surgically repaired shoulder.
o Triple H slows down the pace and keeps significant pressure on Batista’s upper body.
o Batista battles back, hurling Triple H to the outside, where they brawl.
o Batista slams Triple H into the announce table and signals for a powerbomb.
o He grabs Triple H and hoists him up into the air next to the announce table, but Triple H grabbed one of the monitors on his way up, and cracks Batista in the head with it.
o Triple H goes and looks for his sledgehammer by the timekeeper but finds that someone has moved it.
o He instead grabs the ring bell, and slides it into the ring.
o He pulls a now bloodied Batista into the ring, and rains down on him with hard punches to the head.
o Triple H signals to the crowd that it is over, and starts to lift Batista for the pedigree.
o As he does, Edge walks down to ringside, with Triple H’s sledgehammer in hand.
o Triple H drops Batista, and diverts his attention to Edge, who is now standing next to the ring.
o Edge climbs on the ring apron, as the ref attempts to seperate them and take the sledgehammer from Edge.
o Triple H grabs the sledgehammer from Edge, and throws it down the aisle, proclaiming that he “doesn’t need this shit to win”.
o As this happens, Johnny Nitro and Joey Mercury come through the crowd into the ring and surround Batista.
o The referee quickly runs to the tag team champs and attempts to remove them from the ring.
o As this happens, Edge shoves Triple H and gets in the ring, picking up the ring bell that Triple H slid into the ring earlier.
o Edge picks it up, and waits for Triple H to turn around. As Triple H turns around, Edge pushes him aside, and cracks Batista squarely in the head with the ring bell.
o Edge and Triple H smile maniacally as the ref finally gets MNM off of the ring apron.
o Triple H stands over Batista with his arms outstretched. He pulls Batista to his feet, and nails the pedigree for the win, and his 11th World Title.

Result and NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion: Triple H defeats Batista by pinfall. (83/86/78) ***1/4

o Following the match, Edge, Nitro, and Mercury all climb into the ring and embrace, standing over the fallen Batista. They all four raise their hands, with MNM’s Tag Titles, and Triple H’s World Title dangling from their grasp.





Overall: 77

Buyrate: 1.49

WWE.com RAW Preview:

Wow. A face from the Monday Night Wars? Here's hoping for Mark Madden or David Arquette.

I do like the new results format, and that wasn't a half bad PPV. I'd watch it over the stuff they've been putting out lately.

I like most of it, the result format is nice, and flows well.

But, another Triple H lead stable ?

Yeah, I was worried that could turn away a few viewers. Hopefully people accept it and get into it over the next few shows.

I personally hate Triple H, but somehow started becoming a mark for him in the game. I don't know how to explain that, but its what happened.

News and Notes from The Torch, 05/29/06:

Hopefully this new direction Raw won't disappoint like the many real ones that have.

AND WOO! NO MORE MCMAHON!

Monday Night RAW
May 29, 2006


• Opening Contest: MNM w/Melina (WWE World Tag Champions) v 3 Minute Warning (Rosey & Jamal)
o The announcers welcome us to RAW as MNM makes their grand entrance with Melina by their side.
o The announcers say we’re one day removed from King of the Ring, where we crowned 5 brand new WWE Champion, who will all be in action tonight, beginning with the new WWE World Tag Champs.
o This match is non-title.
o MNM uses their quickness to overtake the re-debuting 3MW.
o Good fast-paced matchup, including Rosey and Jamal hitting many highspots on the tag champs.
o The finish comes after MNM exposes the turnbuckle, ramming Rosey’s head into it as Melina distracts the referee.
o Nitro then throws Mercury off the top rope with a rocket launcher to get the pin.

Result: MNM defeats 3 Minute Warning by pinfall. (80/69/91) ***

o As MNM celebrates in the ring, Triple H’s music fills the arena.


• In-Ring Segment: Triple H, Edge, Lita, Mercury, Nitro, and Melina
o The new WWE World Champ Triple H, Edge, and Lita join MNM in the ring and they all shake hands and embrace.
o Edge rolls Rosey out of the ring as Triple H takes a microphone.
o Triple H talks about how last night, he did just as he said he would, and that it helps to know low people in high places.
o Triple H says they have a little business to attend to before the night gets going any further.
o He hands the microphone to Edge, who quickly says that this is an impressive group of people in the ring here.
o But he thinks maybe there are one too many “cooks in the kitchen” now, and that its time to clean up the garbage.
o Lita backs Edge every word, as they approach Melina, who looks worried.
o Edge says there is a certain female who just doesn’t really pull her weight around here. Sure, she’s nice to look at, but after that, what does she do?
o As Melina drops her eyes, Mercury scoops up Lita from behind. Nitro moves into place, and they drop her with the Snapshot.
o Edge says that it’s been fun, but there is only one dominant female in the WWE, and we’re looking at her.
o Melina pulls some makeup out of her purse, and begins drawing all over Lita’s face with lipstick. She writes “Slut” on her forehead before Triple H moves her out of the way.
o Triple H stands, slowly waiting for Lita to get to her feet. As she does, he kicks her in the stomach and sets her up –
o But Rey Mysterio comes flying down the aisle, springboards in, and nails dropkick to Triple H’s back, sending him flying against the ropes.
o Triple H does a slow burn, looking pissed off, and grabs the microphone.
o Triple H asks Rey if he knows what he just did. He thought the WWE had enough super heros around here without needing a midget representation as well.
o Triple H asks Edge if he feels like having a match tonight, now that he lost all that dead weight off his back.
o Edge challenges Rey Mysterio to face him one on one tonight, and Rey accepts!

80


• In Ring Segment: Kurt Angle, WWE Television Champion
o Kurt Angle makes his way down to the ring to a massive pop with microphone in hand.
o He tells everyone that he did just as he said he would, and became the first ever Television Champion.
o He informs the crowd that he is going to be the fightingest champion of all time, and will defend this title any time there is a TV or PPV broadcast.
o This is a new title, and its a new day for the wrestling machine, Kurt Angle.

97

o Carlito’s music hits as he heads down to the ring for his TV Title Match.


• WWE Television Championship Match: Kurt Angle © v Carlito
o Angle takes it right to Carlito, reigning down on him with a intensity even he hasn’t reached before.
o Carlito nails a cheap shot and takes control for the middle portion of the match.
o Angle works over Carlito with a series of German Suplexes and an Angle Slam.
o Angle pulls the straps down, and grabs Carlito’s leg. Anklelock! He taps.

Result and still WWE Television Champion: Kurt Angle defeats Carlito by submission. (83/87/75) ***1/4


• In-Ring Segment: Shelton Benjamin, former champion
o Shelton Benjamin walks out to the ring in a dapper suit and tie.
o He enters the ring, which has a podium set up. He pulls out a peice of paper and reads monotonously.
o He informs us that he wishes to voice his displeasure with the decision to award Chris Benoit his Intercontinental Title at King of the Ring, but has been informed by his agent, that he should not.
o Instead at this time he would like to introduce his new agent, the man that will be representing all of his affairs: Eric Bischoff.
o Bischoff’s music hits as he walks to the ring with re-dyed jet black hair, slicked back, and a briefcase in hand.
o A loud “You suck” chant rings out as Bischoff begins to talk.
o Bischoff informs us that not only was his client unaware that his title was up for grabs in the match, but he also feels that the United States Title is a not a fair prize to be on the line against the prestigious Intercontinental Title.
o Bischoff tells us that Shelton does not with to ruffle any feathers backstage, but feels that he should get his just due.
o Bischoff goes on to tell us that Shelton Benjamin is the premiere athlete in the world today, and can do things in the ring that other wrestlers can’t even dream of.
o Bischoff tells us that he and his client anxiously await to hear from the front office about Shelton’s rematch clause that was in his contract.
o Bischoff bids us good night, and tells us that he thanks us for our time, and the future WWE North American Champion thanks us as well.

83


• WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match: Jamie Noble © v Funaki
o CM Punk is sitting ringside on commentary for his cruiserweight title match.
o Punk tells us how he was this close to winning his first championship, but made a small mistake and was not the legal man
o Noble takes control in the ring with some impressive physical maneuvers.
o Noble hits a dropkick to the back of Funaki’s head and goes to work on his neck.
o Punk tells us that he feels like if he can just get Noble one on one in the ring, he can defeat him
o Noble closes in for the kill, and locks in the dragon sleeper on Funaki, who taps.

Result and still WWE Cruiserweight Champion: Jamie Noble defeats Funaki by submission. (69/49/90) *3/4

o Post Match: Noble jumps over the top rope to the floor and dives across the announce table at Punk.
o Punk retaliates with a flurry of punches that send Noble stumbling back.
o Noble grabs his belt and retreats.


• Backstage Segment: John Cena is searching
o We see John Cena on crutches, exiting a locker room with a look of frustration on his face.
o He walks down the hallway and looks up to a locker room door reading: “Randy Orton”.
o He gives a look of “here goes nothing” and walks in.
o Orton quickly looks up and cracks a smile and a small laugh, looking at Cena’s hobbled body.
o Orton asks Cena what he can do for him today, and Cena tells Orton that he is walking around back here, looking for a tag team partner.
o Orton asks him who they’d be tagging up against.
o Cena replies: Well, I’m sure you saw the PPV last night. MNM did a pretty bad number on me, and you know me, I gots to get even.
o Orton laughs and replies: MNM huh? You mean the MNM rolling with Triple H and Edge now? Yeah....no thanks buddy. I’ve been down that road before, and those aren’t guys you really wanna mess with. But good luck to you, I’m sure you’ll have great success finding a partner who wants to go there.
o Orton smiles as Cena looks perturbed. Cena replies: That’s all right. I can see you’re too scared to actually step up and do something, so I’ll move on.
o Orton retorts: No John, I’m not scared. I’m just not an idiot like you. And in case you didn’t notice, nobody really likes you back here. So like I said, good luck finding a partner, and get out of my locker room.
o Cena turns and limps out on his crutches, walking down the hallway.

86


• Backstage Segment: Kane & Big Show
o Kane is shown sitting in his locker room alone, on a chair, thinking.
o Big Show walks in with his bags and Kane quickly stands up.
o Kane asks Show where the hell he was, and tells him that they could’ve had a tag team match against MNM tonight, but he was late.
o Show informs Kane that he was at the doctor, getting himself checked out. He says that the powder that was thrown in his face last night did a real number on his respiratory system.
o Kane responds, questioning Big Show if that’s why his ass wasn’t around to save him when he was getting double teamed last night.
o Show tells Kane he doesn’t really like his tone tonight.
o Kane just replies with an “You don’t like my tone....fine”, and walks out, leaving Big Show scratching his head.

81


• Tag Team Match: Chris Benoit & Bobby Lashley v JBL & Randy Orton
o Benoit is announced as the new WWE North American Champion
o The announcers run down last night’s KOTR show, where Lashley defeated Finlay, but was then RKO’d on his way out of the ringside area.
o Lashley goes aggresively for Orton, but is double teamed by JBL and Orton instead.
o JBL and Orton control Lashley for most of the match, before he finally gets the hot tag to Benoit.
o Benoit cleans house, knocking JBL out of the ring, and nailing a series of suplexes on Orton.
o As Benoit goes up top for the diving headbutt, JBL trips him up, crotching him on the top rope.
o Orton goes to take advantage, grabbing Benoit’s head for an RKO as he is positioned on the top rope.
o But Benoit shoves Orton forward, where he runs squarely into a Lashley spinebuster for the 3 count.

Result: Benoit & Lashley defeat Orton & JBL by pinfall when Lashley pins Orton (72/73/73) **

o Post-Match: Benoit is walking back through the locker room after the match, when he is attacked by Shelton Benjamin & Eric Bischoff.
o Shelton nails a superkick on Benoit just as he walks into his own dressing room.
o Shelton takes the North American title from Benoit, and puts it in his face, asking him it this feels good.
o Bischoff motions to Shelton that is time to go, as Lashley comes storming down the hallway.
o Shelton drops the title on Benoit, and gets in one last boot to the face as they run away down the hall.
o Lashley checks on the fallen Benoit.


• Main Event: Edge v Rey Mysterio
o Edge is accompanied to the ring by Triple H, Nitro, Mercury, and Melina.
o Early in the match, Melina gets involved, tripping up Rey as he bounces off the ropes.
o The ref ejects all 4 from the ringside area, making is 1 on 1.
o Rey takes control, and has Edge reeling with a series of kicks and punches.
o Edge hits a powerbomb as Rey goes for the springboard Senton, but only for a 2 count.
o Rey nails a top rope moonsault for a 2 count.
o Rey goes for a tilt-a-whirl headscissors, but Edge counters by turning it into a backbreaker.
o Edge gets down in a crouched position, setting Rey up for the Spear.
o As Edge charges, Rey leapfrogs over him, sending Edge flying into the ropes where he draps over the middle rope.
o Rey runs off the ropes and nails the 619. Edge stumbles back and falls into the middle of the ring.
o Rey goes to the outside, and at the same time Triple H comes running back down the aisle.
o Rey doesn’t see him, and springboard from one side of the ring as Triple H slides in the other side, title in hand.
o Rey springboards off right into a hard shot from the WWE World title from Triple H. The ref calls for the bell.

Result: Rey Mysterio defeats Edge by disqualification (85/86/83) ***1/2

o Post-Match: Triple H puts the boots to Rey, and picks him up and nails a Pedigree.
o Edge gets to his feet, where they continue the assault on Rey Mysterio.
o The crowd pops huge as Batista comes running down the aisle.
o Batista flies into the ring and nails a hard double clothesline on both Edge and Triple H.
o MNM comes running down the aisle and slides into the ring, taking it to Batista.
o Triple H and Edge get back to their feet, and all 4 gang up on Batista and get him to the ground.
o MNM nails the Snapshot on Batista, and Edge sets him up in the corner for the Spear.


• It’s the Nature Boy!!!
o Ric Flair comes running down the aisle as the crowd goes nuts.
o He slides into the ring and stands in front of Batista, blocking Edge’s path.
o Flair slowly turns around and loosen’s the tie on his suit, before planting a hard kick right to the groin on Batista.
o Flair steps out of the way as Edge floors Batista with the spear.
o Flair looks directly into the camera and holds up 4 fingers for all to see.
o He motions to the people in the ring: Triple H, Edge, Nitro, and Mercury, and they all hold up the 4 fingers.
o The Four Horsemen are Here!

86


Overall: 80%

TV Rating: 6.84

I like new directions... which are things my own diary could probably use (glares at my Raw GM, Shawn Michaels).

Hrmmm. Ric Flair as the patriarch of a new generation of Horsemen. I like the idea. I also like the inclusion of tag team specialists, kind of like the old days of Tully and Arn. Nice stuff, though they might have been overused by the end of the night. I also like the cruiser stuff because it's going to produce some quality matches.

The difference between Arn/Tully and MNM though was that Arn and Tully were accomplished singles wrestlers during the Horsemen run on top of being successful as a tag team, while MNM are tag exclusive and generally suck (in booking terms) in single matches.

Really liking this dude, well down.

WWE.com announces new signings....

Aries and Joe are amazing signings. I haven't seen the Naturals before, so I don't have an opinion on them.

I want to see Benoit vs. Joe, or Aries. Angle versuses the two would be golden as well.

BOO! HISS! *arm-pit fart noise*